Struggling postpartum weight gain/loss

[Gavisgone]

Gave birth 6 weeks ago and I’m really struggling with losing the baby weight. I put on about 2 1/2 stone and have only lost just under a stone since giving birth so I have a lot to go! It’s really getting me down as none of my clothes fit.

I had a caesarean birth so can’t do much exercise yet and I had terrible pgp from 16 weeks pregnant, the weight piled on as I couldn’t exercise at all whereas before I was running 30+ miles per week. Obviously I can’t do that now either! Im not breastfeeding so wondering if this might be why I’m not losing weight faster. I’ve cut out snacking since DS was born and really hoped I would have lost more by now? Did anyone else really struggle losing weight and how did you do it?

Oh bless you, you are being far too hard on yourself.

I don’t know exactly how much I gained in my first pregnancy but it was enough for me to be a full dress size larger after birth. I exclusively breastfed and didn’t seem to lose anything but the fluid retention over the first 6 months. A stone in 6 weeks is a lot - and you don’t want to put too much pressure on your body while it is healing.

If it helps, I got to just under my pre-baby weight at the year mark. And I got rid of all the clothes making me sad at the 6 month mark to remove the pressure I felt. Focus on doing what makes you feel good as you are now, time and a busy toddler will likely help with the weight loss.

I know it’s hard when you aren’t comfortable in your clothes but you do not need to bounce back immediately if it is causing you stress, and most women don’t.

Wishing you all the best!